Mixed Deck — All CLA Topics Flashcards

Why is regular project documentation essential during construction?

Answer: To ensure work aligns with design and track progress

Regular project documentation, such as daily logs, progress reports, and photographic records, is essential for effective construction management. It provides a continuous, verifiable record of work performed, helping to ensure that construction aligns with the design intent. This documentation also allows for accurate tracking of progress against the project schedule and budget.

On a grading plan, a dashed contour line typically represents:

Answer: Existing grade

Dashed contour lines conventionally represent existing (pre-construction) grade, while solid lines show proposed finished grade.

During site inventory, 'cultural features' typically refer to:

Answer: Human-made elements like roads, structures, and utilities

Cultural features are human-made elements documented during site inventory, distinguishing them from natural features like soils and vegetation.

The Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation process applies when:

Answer: A federal nexus exists, such as federal permits or funding

Section 7 requires federal agencies to consult with USFWS or NMFS when a federal action may affect listed species, triggered by any federal nexus including permits.

Which drip irrigation component prevents emitters from draining between cycles on sloped installations?

Answer: Check valve or anti-drain emitter

Anti-drain emitters or check valves hold water in the line between cycles, preventing low-head drainage that puddles at the bottom of slopes and dries out upslope emitters.

What is a 'change order' in landscape architecture construction administration?

Answer: A formal written amendment to the construction contract that changes scope, cost, or schedule

A change order is a signed agreement between the owner and contractor that modifies the original contract's scope, price, or time.

The '100-year floodplain' designation in FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps indicates an area with what annual flood probability?

Answer: 1% annual chance of flooding

The 100-year floodplain has a 1% annual probability of flooding, meaning on average such a flood occurs once every 100 years.

What does 'ET' stand for in irrigation scheduling, and why is it important?

Answer: Evapotranspiration — the combined water loss from soil evaporation and plant transpiration

Evapotranspiration (ET) measures total water loss from the landscape and is the primary basis for calculating how much supplemental irrigation is needed.

Which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone covers most of the US Gulf Coast, including southern Louisiana and Mississippi?

Answer: Zone 9a

Zone 9a (average minimum −6.7°C / 20°F) covers much of the Gulf Coast where mild winters allow subtropical plants to thrive.

Which bioretention feature is designed to temporarily pond water and allow it to infiltrate through a soil media layer?

Answer: Rain garden

Rain gardens are shallow, vegetated depressions filled with engineered media that allow stormwater to infiltrate and be filtered.

Which pruning method removes an entire branch back to the parent stem or trunk to reduce size and maintain natural form?

Answer: Thinning cut

A thinning cut removes a branch entirely at its point of origin, maintaining natural branch structure and encouraging airflow.

When a landscape architect stamps and signs drawings, what does that seal legally signify?

Answer: The professional takes responsibility for the technical adequacy of the work

An LA's seal on drawings certifies that the work was prepared or reviewed by that licensee and that they take professional responsibility for its content.

What is the botanical name for Eastern Redbud, a commonly specified native flowering tree in the eastern US?

Answer: Cercis canadensis

Cercis canadensis is Eastern Redbud, known for its magenta spring flowers directly on bare branches before leaf-out.

What is the significance of ecological restoration in sustainable landscape architecture?

Answer: To repair ecosystems and restore biodiversity

Ecological restoration aims to reverse degradation by actively assisting the recovery of damaged ecosystems. This practice is vital in sustainable landscape architecture for re-establishing native plant and animal species, improving essential ecosystem functions like water filtration, and enhancing overall biodiversity, leading to more resilient and healthy environments.

What is the recommended minimum thickness for a concrete pedestrian walkway slab in a residential landscape setting?

Answer: 4 inches

A 4-inch thick concrete slab is standard for residential pedestrian areas; vehicular areas typically require 6 inches or more.

Which certification program specifically evaluates the sustainability of site design independent of building construction?

Answer: SITES (Sustainable SITES Initiative)

The SITES program was developed specifically to evaluate sustainable land design, construction, and management practices for landscapes and infrastructure.

In a project manual, 'Division 01 - General Requirements' specifications typically include:

Answer: Project meeting requirements, submittals procedures, temporary facilities, and closeout requirements

Division 01 establishes administrative and procedural requirements that apply to all work on the project, such as coordination meetings, submittal review, temporary controls, and project closeout.

Which stormwater management practice is designed to capture the 'first flush' of runoff, which contains the highest concentration of pollutants?

Answer: First-flush diverter or water quality volume (WQv) BMP

First-flush BMPs capture the initial, most polluted portion of storm runoff for treatment or diversion before overflow reaches downstream receiving waters.

Which landscape style emphasizes naturalistic plant communities, ecological function, and minimal formal geometry?

Answer: New Perennial Movement

The New Perennial Movement, pioneered by designers like Piet Oudolf, emphasizes naturalistic drifts of perennials and grasses that mimic wild plant communities.

What grading technique uses a series of flat terraces separated by steep risers to manage slopes on hillsides?

Answer: Bench grading

Bench grading creates level planting terraces on steep slopes, reducing erosion and allowing access.